Otoplasty FAQ ▾

Otoplasty

Located In New York City

Otoplasty, also known as ear surgery, will help to correct prominent or protruding ears by setting them back closer to the head or reducing their size. The procedure improves the shape, size and position of the ears. Correction of even minor deformities can benefit appearance and self-esteem, as it will bring balance and proportion to the ears and face.

Dr. Imber is an internationally renowned plastic surgeon and has performed over 25,000 surgical procedures. He performs a full range of cosmetic surgery procedures in his New York City practice, popularized the S-Lift, and developed the Limited Incision Facelift Technique. He has dedicated his career to helping his patients look as good as they feel, and always strives for the most natural results.

OTOPLASTY

Congenitally prominent ears are a cosmetic deformity that can have a serious emotional effect on a child. An otoplasty is performed to correct this concern, frequently for children beginning as early as six years of age, as the size of the ear is nearly that of adulthood by this age. The sooner the prominence is corrected, the less “teasing” the child may be subjected to. Adults may also benefit from this procedure, which improves self-confidence with relative ease. Often, adults choose this surgery in conjunction with other facial plastic surgical procedures. Not only is it possible to “pin back” ears, but ears can also be reshaped, reduced in size, or made more symmetrical.

Otoplasty Goals

The goal of this surgical procedure it to correct prominent or protruding ears by creating a natural fold setting them back closer to the head. Dr. Imber has performed this surgery on both children and adults, and the outcome always benefits the individual. 

Otoplasty Candidates

Those who have prominent ears in shape and size can benefit from an otoplasty. This applies to children and adults. Schedule an appointment with Dr. Imber to discuss your surgical options. 

What to Expect During Your Otoplasty

Dr. Imber and his team of nurses will review all surgical details with you leading up to your appointment. Otoplasty surgery begins with an incision just behind the ear, in the natural fold where the ear is joined to the head. Dr. Imber will then remove the necessary amounts of cartilage and skin required to achieve the right effect.

Recovering From Your Otoplasty

Recovery varies for each patient and Dr. Imber’s staff will prepare you accordingly. After surgery, soft dressings will be applied to the ears and will remain for a few days. Most patients experience some mild discomfort and sleep disruptions as you cannot put pressure on the ear areas. Headbands are sometimes recommended to hold the ears in the desired position.

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Words From Dr Imber!

The technical name for pinning back cup ears is Otoplasty. It is the nicest gift you can give a child with prominent ears. Children are ruthless and hurtful, and this is a simple procedure that has been done for decades and the results are always rewarding.

– Gerald Imber, M.D.

What is an Otoplasty?

Otoplasty surgery, also known as ear surgery, will help to correct prominent or protruding ears by creating a natural fold setting them back closer to the head or reducing their size. It can correct a defect in the ear structure that was possibly present at birth, and usually a procedure performed in childhood.

How Is An Otoplasty Performed?

Dr. Imber and his team of nurses will review the entire surgical process with you in advance of your surgical appointment. In some cases, the surgeon will trim the cartilage, shaping it into a more desirable form and then pin the cartilage back with permanent sutures to secure the cartilage. After sculpting the cartilage to the desired shape, the surgeon will apply sutures to anchor the ear until healing occurs to hold the ear in the desired position.

What Should I Expect After The Surgery?

After surgery, soft dressings are applied to the ears and will remain for a few days. Most patients experience some mild discomfort. If you are accustomed to sleeping on your side, your sleep patterns may be disrupted for a week or so because you cannot put any pressure on the ear areas. Headbands are sometimes recommended to hold the ears in the desired position for two weeks after the surgery. Dr. Imber’s patients have always benefitted from this surgery.

What Type Of Anesthesia Will I Receive?

Dr. Imber’s board-certified anesthesiologist will call you the night before surgery to review all guidelines necessary for the morning of your surgery. Prior to this, Dr. Imber’s nurses will advise on medical clearance and discuss anything else you need to know before your surgery. Most patients receive local anesthesia with sedation and Dr. Imber’s anesthesiologist is on site the day of your surgery.

Are There Any Non-Invasive Alternatives?

No, there aren’t any non-invasive options for this surgery.

Why Do I Need A Board-Certified Plastic Surgeon?

A board-certified plastic surgeon holds the highest levels of education and training needed to deliver the best results. This qualification is not easy to achieve, so by using a board-certified plastic surgeon, you know they meet the standards of the American Society of Plastic Surgeons.

Will There Be Any Scarring?

There will be a virtually invisible scar behind the ear.

How Much Does An Otoplasty Cost?

Dr. Imber and his team will review all costs during your consultation.

Dr. Imber’s thoughts on Before & After images
Watch video of Dr. Imber’s thoughts on Before & After images.

We Offer Concierge Services

We want to make sure you are comfortable every step of the way, from managing your stay in New York City if you are out-of-town to Post-Surgical Care and more.

Our concierge services include but are not limited to:

  • Accommodation Coordination with the finest New York City Hotels
  • Medical Photography
  • Medical Clearance
  • Private Duty Nurses and Escorts Post-Surgery
  • Transportation Post-Surgery
  • Pre- and Post-Operative Care

Conveniently located to serve New York City.

Dr Gerald Imber

Dr. Gerald Imber, M.D.

Dr. Gerald Imber is a board-certified, world-renowned plastic surgeon and strives to provide his patients the most natural results with the least invasive surgical techniques. He is recognized by US News and World Report and Castle Connolly as among the top 1% of plastic surgeons in the United States, on the staff of the Weill Cornell Medical Center, and directs his private surgical practice in New York City.

Dr. Imber has among the largest experience in facial rejuvenation and the prevention of facial aging. He has pioneered many less invasive surgical procedures that are now considered the gold standard among plastic surgeons, such as microsuction, a modified form of liposuction, to remove early jowls and tighten jawline, the extensive use of rejuvenating fat transfers, and the Limited Incision Facelift Technique, or Short Scar Facelift, a modern, less invasive facelift technique.

Dr. Imber performs a full range of cosmetic procedures, surgical and non-invasive, at his Manhattan office, including body, breast and nasal surgery, as well as facial reconstruction following Mohs micrographic surgery.